In a jibe at rival Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Shiv Sena on Sunday said it finds accommodating Pakistani artistes against a monetary compensation neither patriotic nor in national interest. “We oppose Pakistan at all times. But now if someone is saying that by paying Rs 5 crore, you can bring Pakistani artistes to the Indian film industry — then you are continuing to give them opportunity and trying to accommodate them. It does not sound patriotic or in the national interest to me,” Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray told The Indian Express.

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To withdraw his party’s protest against the release of Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had demanded that the producers contribute Rs 5 crore to the Army welfare fund for casting Pakistani talent. The producers of the movie reportedly conceded the demand at a meeting held at the residence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

On Sunday, Uddhav further said that political parties must keep national interest above politics before questioning the authenticity of the Army operation.

“Firstly, taking credit for the Army operation by central government is distasteful and demeaning. Moreover, political parties calling it fake is a derogatory, and leaders must refrain and stand by the Indian Army instead,” he said.

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The Sena chief added: “How long will Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remain with Pakistan? It is part of Indian territory, isn’t it? This must be the first surgical strike and it must continue until PoK is brought within the fold of the Indian territory.”

Referring to former PM Indira Gandhi’s military action in 1971, he demanded a similar military operation to bring POK back to the Indian territory.

Asked about the meeting between Maharastra CM Fadnavis, film producer Karan Johar and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav poked fun at the meeting and said that he had received information that the trio will be soon releasing a movie called “Yeh Toh Hona Hi Tha”.